True portrayal of African American theatre did not occur until about 1890. Before this time, the lives of the black community were portrayed by European Americans. These were called minstrel shows. After the Civil war, blacks started to perform in these minstrel shows. By the turn of the 20th century, many of these shows were being written, directed, and acted by the black community. Many people of the black community were able to become more prominent in the 1890's. One of these achievements includes Will Marion Cook and Bob Cole who brought black musical comedy to Broadway. After many achievements like this, black theatre started to become more commonly known. This type of theatre flourished during the Harlem Renaissance, and gained moderate popularity nationwide. This moderate popularity held strong until the civil rights movement. After this fight for equality, just like the other theatres, Black theatre became much larger and more prominent.
True portrayal of African American theatre did not occur until about 1890. Before this time, the lives of the black community were portrayed by European Americans. These were called minstrel shows. After the Civil war, blacks started to perform in these minstrel shows. By the turn of the 20th century, many of these shows were being written, directed, and acted by the black community. Many people of the black community were able to become more prominent in the 1890's. One of these achievements includes Will Marion Cook and Bob Cole who brought black musical comedy to Broadway. After many achievements like this, black theatre started to become more commonly known. This type of theatre flourished during the Harlem Renaissance, and gained moderate popularity nationwide. This moderate popularity held strong until the civil rights movement. After this fight for equality, just like the other theatres, Black theatre became much larger and more prominent.